New laws that help tenants affected by family and domestic violence will be in the spotlight at two public information sessions in the South West next week, when the legislation comes into effect.
The events in Bunbury and Busselton will outline key aspects of the Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment (Family Violence) Act 2019, which aims to provide victims of family and domestic violence with more options regarding their home rental arrangements.
Renters affected by family and domestic violence will be able to exit a tenancy with as little as seven days' notice without going to court, remove a perpetrator from a lease by applying to the courts and change locks or increase security without a landlord's permission.
Consumer Protection WA's South West regional coordinator Annetta Bellingeri said the new laws would apply from Monday, April 15.
"Tragically, family violence is increasing in WA, with approximately 50,000 incidents reported to WA Police each year and more than 4,500 calls annually to the state's domestic violence helplines," she said.
"The new legislation aims to give renters experiencing family and domestic violence better choices, including whether to stay in a rental home by excluding the perpetrator or moving to safer accommodation by removing themselves from the tenancy agreement."
Ms Bellingeri said the interactive public information sessions would be beneficial for tenants, landlords, property managers and health or community workers who have contact with people affected by family and domestic violence.
The Bunbury event is at 10am on Wednesday, April 17 at the Koombana Room, 61 Victoria Street. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite:
The Busselton event is at 10am on Thursday, April 18 at Churchill Park Hall, 78 Adelaide Street. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite:
As space is limited, priority will be given to attendees with tickets.
For more information about the new laws, head to safetenancy.wa.gov.au.
